Mr. James Lee, Prop, Stinking Tent Saloon

In 1848, shortly after the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, a part of New Helvetia was surveyed and laid out in square blocks from the waterfront to Sutter's Fort, some distance to the east. This area would become Sacramento City. A certain Mr. Samuel Brannan, who ran a dry goods concern within the Fort, came to control the sale of these blocks of property. He became California's first millionaire.

When James Lee arrived in Sacramento City in the spring of 1849 the village was a collection of tents. The only sizable structure in the entire valley was Sutter's Fort, some 26 blocks from the waterfront. There were many ships anchored in the river and thousands of gold seekers enroute to the Sierras.

In the words of Mr. Lee:

"Sacramento City was the muddiest, most rat infested, noisiest hole in God's creation! And what really galled me was that a man could not enjoy a libation outside of Sutter's Fort! I determined right then-n-there that I would remedy this ungodly situation. Why should I toil in the goldfields when I could provide a much-needed service to my fellow man? I thought of it as ‘mining the miners.’

I met with Mr. Brannan and arranged the purchase of a bit of property on 2nd Street at J Street, one block from the waterfront. Soon I came upon some poles and some freshly planed lumber from Sutter's Mill. Construction began. The poles became support columns. Over these columns sails from a deserted ship were stretched to become the walls and roof. The bar would be made of two barrels with planks between them. I was standing in a large canvas cave but I envisioned walls of red brocade and crystal chandeliers. The Stinking Tent Saloon was born!

I caught a frigate to San Francisco where saloon supplies and a goodly supply of beverage of the alcoholic persuasion were available. I also happened upon two gamblers on their way to ply their trade in the Mother Lode. Upon hearing of the opportunities that would be available at my establishment, they chose, rather, to give Sacramento City a try.
 
Our precious goods and we arrived back here safely. The bar was stocked, the tables were readied, and the entrance flaps were opened. Walking into the street, I raised my Walker Dragoon skyward and fired off two rounds while shouting "The saloon is open!” This endeavor was wildly successful! In two days the ambrosia of the gods was depleted, thus causing a frantic trip to the suppliers where weekly shipments were arranged, furniture was ordered, and a bar of mahogany was ordered. It was to be constructed in the east and shipped around the Horn.

My debt to that bandit Brannan was paid in full in one week!

Many guests of the finest gambling emporium west of Chicago have enquired as to the origins of the name- "The Stinking Tent Saloon". I never fail to ask them to stand downwind from my fair and honest establishment after a rainstorm. The smell of the sea never leaves a sail."

I remain the miner's friend,

Mr. James Lee
Proprietor
The Stinking Tent Saloon